What a wonderful week at campmeeting! First, I want to say thank you to the thousands of you in attendance last week. What a joy to be together from all parts of the Carolinas. For those of you unable to attend I hope you were able to attend via the live streaming that was taking place. If you haven't been able to watch the evening meetings yet I encourage you to do so. I know you will be blessed.

It was heartwarming to also meet several visitors who were not members of the Seventh-day Adventist church. One lady spoke to me and said it was the first time she had attended an Adventist event. She could not have been more thrilled with the meetings and the friendships which she formed. She attended all week right through Saturday nights meeting. Another visitor told one of our church members that she too was visiting a SDA meeting for the first time. She said, "I think these people must take happy pills before coming here because they are all so happy."! I thank all of you who were such a wonderful witness to these people.

I also want to thank all of those who were present and gave so sacrifically to the Carolina Breakthrough offering. The final total far surpassed anything that had ever been given at a Carolina campmeeting. The final total was over $170,000. Praise God! During a time of economic challenge how inspiring it is to see God's people step out in faith in order to finish His work. If you were unable to attend but would like to be part of this exciting faith endeavor you can still make your contribution to Carolina Breakthrough.

On another note I want to share with you that now that the new boys dormitory at Mount Pisgah Academy is finished and is debt free we are looking at doing some renovations to the girls dormitory. This would include a new heating system as well as air conditioning for all the rooms which we currently don't have. We are praying for God's leading in this and I will keep you posted as we continue to look toward this. It isn't definite yet but we are praying that God will make a way for this to happen. Again, I will keep you updated as we proceed.

I know many people will be taking time this summer for vacations. What a special opportunity to take extra time with God. When Jesus was here on earth He had times when He sought refuge and solace with His Father. If this summer affords your family this time I would hope that it would not be a vacation from God but instead will be a vacation with God. For it is only as we sit at His feet that true refreshing will come. May God continue to bless each of you as you follow Him.

Your friend,
Jim